Joyful Trials

Introduction

A. Written by the brother of Jesus, James is a practical book for all ages. Written in the face of persecution, James is encouraging believers who have been chased out of Jerusalem to remain in faith and to live in faith. The persecution took place between 35 A.D. (Acts 8) and 44 A.D. (Acts 12). Some believe that this letter was written around 50 A.D. after the last persecution in Jerusalem. The letter is clearly practical in nature.

B. There are several OT quotations in the letter and numerous parallels with Jesus’ teaching. At times it will seem as if we are reading from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. This practical application is intended to remind the readers that faith isn’t real unless it is lived out in daily living. Our study over the next several weeks will be challenging and encouraging as we continue to honor Father.

Trials

A. James begins his letter in a very logical place — reminding those who have been persecuted that trials are a natural part of life. James is writing to those who have given up home, comfort, and some sense of security because of their faith. These persecutions have not just resulted in having to move but have led some to doubt their commitment and the price that is being paid for their faith. As we will see not all have suffered economically. Verses 9-11 illustrate that those who are wealthy can have misplaced confidence in their wealth. A subject that James will return to later.

B. But the point of our text is that all kinds of trials are a normal part of life. Jesus had said as much in John 16:33 in one of his final words before his death, he assured us that troubles are a part of life, but that he has overcome the world. James turns the view of what Jesus said just a bit so that how we think about these trials is the focus of this opening section. Instead of regarding these trials as a time to complain and whine, find these times as a time to express joy.

C. Express joy in the face of trials seems to be out of touch with reality. Joy and trials do not go together, but James gives us a reason for such joy. The trial allows us to develop perseverance or endurance. Such perseverance results in spiritual maturity. James is telling us that trials are welcome because they help us come closer to the intent of God for our lives. As believers this is what we want — we want to be the kind of person God wants us to be. These trials are a part of living in this world.

D. Notice how James connects verses 4 and 5 with the word “lack.” The trials develop perseverance so that we can become mature and not lack anything. But if we find in the course of these trials that we lack wisdom about how to deal with these trials, then seek God’s help to have that wisdom. Ask in faith and confidence that God will give you what you need to deal with the trial. For these who had been dispersed because of persecution such words were intended to empower them to greater faith. God has not abandoned them and is willing to provide wisdom to deal with these trials.

E. Verses 9-11 seem out of place, but contextually make sense. Instead of seeking God’s wisdom, some will place their trust in their wealth. Such a placement for faith will only result in disappointment. Wealth doesn’t last; God’s wisdom does. And just in case, the reader has missed the point, James ends this section with a reminder of the connection between trials and perseverance. The man who perseveres under trial will receive God’s crown of life. To the one who demonstrates faith in the face of trials goes the victor’s crown — eternal life with God.

Application

A. Trials come to us all. None of us are exempt. Some seem more difficult than others. Compassionately we see other’s trials and marvel at their ability to hold up under such intense pressure. We may even say that others have it worse than us, but the reality is that each trial by its very nature presents us with an opportunity to persevere or to quit. It isn’t that someone’s trial is greater than ours that James is talking about. After all, there are some who are wealthy who are going through trials as well.

B. The emphasis is on how we think about trials. Trials are to be viewed as opportunities rather than to complain about them. Trials are an opportunity to demonstrate our faith; to mature; to endure. I like the way G.K. Chesterton put it, “I believe in getting into hot water. I think it keeps you clean.” But how do we do that? How do we change the way we think about trials? How is it possible to find joy in trials?

C. Let me suggest some things that may help.

1. First, focus on the outcome. With a trial, our focus tends to be on the discomfort and pain of the event. But if we shifted our focus to the outcome, then the discomfort and pain can be kept in perspective. I will admit some trials do not have an obvious outcome. In such cases we remember that the outcome is to become spiritually mature.

   a. Athletes remember that the trial of getting in shape is so that they can perform well in the arena. Students understand that to do well in school means remaining focused on the outcome.

   b. The trial of disease or financial challenges are different. That is when we focus on the outcome. Tuesday we buried Hallie King. Many of you did not know her, but she had told me numerous times what she wanted said at her funeral. Tell people that she was a good lady who loved Lee (her husband) and who loved her God. The outcome was her focus.

2. Second, pray. When we are not sure about how things are going to turn out, then we turn to God seeking his wisdom and strength. I’m talking about wrestling with God like Jacob. I’m talking about pouring out your heart like Job. I’m talking about sweating like Jesus. I’m talking about a prayer that enters into a struggle with God so that we have no doubt about our strength.

3. Third, persevere. Each day is one step closer to being with God. Each day provides a new opportunity to honor Father. Clarence Jordan is a name that may be hidden from you, but it is a name that means something about perseverance. Jordan was born in 1912 in Talbotten, GA. Throughout his early life he was troubled by the racial and economic inequalities of life. He earned a college degree in agriculture in 1933 and a Ph.D. in Greek in 1938. With this education, he formed the Koinonia Farms outside of Americus, GA. Committed to the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, all poor people were welcome to come and live on the farm, sharing the work and the profits. It was an interracial community which in time became a despised place. The political forces of GA, the radical segregationist groups of the 1950s and 1960s exploded in rage against Jordan and the farm.

   a. Through it all Jordan persevered. In 1968, a couple named, Millard and Linda Fuller joined Koinonia Farms and learned from Jordan. Eventually, this couple formed “Habitat for Humanity.”

   b. Jordan never saw this additional direction for the farm. On October 29, 1969, he died suddenly of a heart attack. He was buried in an unmarked grave on the Koinonia property, a used refrigerator box for his casket. The citizens of southwest Georgia treated him in death as they had in life: his funeral was attended only by his family, the Koinonia partners, and the poor of the community.

   c. James reminds us that the crown of life is from God and it comes at the end of life not in this one. Trials are our opportunity to show God’s wisdom and goodness and to reveal our faith. How are you doing with your trials? Do you complain? Do you whine? Or do you wrestle with God and seek his wisdom? Is your focus on completing the task? Invitation.

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